The distinction between live and on demand TV will be erased as all shows are stored. But possibly more important is that social integration will be a key factor allowing you to access Twitter, Facebook and the like while watching TV. Although with everyone watching shows at different times this seems a little less necessary than it is now.

Finally the whole package will be brought together in a beautiful iPad-style interface with icons for services and channels. It's reasonable to assume that the Apple TV's new interface is something of a test run for the Apple iTV – the 50in super hi-res display that Cupertino's reputedly beavering away at.